Sweet & Tangy BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe for Summer

Summer nights come alive with these mouthwatering bbq pineapple chicken kabobs that dance between sweet and savory flavors.

Tropical ingredients merge effortlessly on wooden skewers, creating a colorful meal packed with zest.

Juicy chicken pieces nestle between chunks of caramelized pineapple, promising an instant flavor explosion.

Marinades infuse each bite with tangy sophistication that makes outdoor cooking feel like a culinary adventure.

Grilling transforms simple ingredients into something magical, charring edges and intensifying natural sugars.

Seasonal produce and tender protein unite in a dish that screams backyard celebration.

Gather friends, fire up the grill, and get ready to impress everyone with these irresistible kabobs.

Why BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Are Summer on a Stick

• The recipe's short marinating time of 30 minutes lets you whip up a delicious meal without hours of prep work.
• Combining sweet pineapple, tangy barbecue sauce, and savory chicken creates an exciting taste adventure that'll wow your taste buds.
• These colorful kabobs are ideal for backyard grilling, outdoor parties, and casual gatherings with friends and family.
• Packed with lean protein from chicken, vitamins from bell peppers, and natural sweetness from pineapple, this dish offers a wholesome and satisfying dinner option.

What Goes on the Skewer with Sweet Chicken

• Chicken: Tender meat that absorbs the marinade and creates the main protein of the dish, boneless and skinless chicken breasts work best.
• Barbecue Sauce: Key flavor component that adds sweetness and tanginess to the chicken, use a high-quality store-bought or homemade sauce.

• Pineapple: Adds tropical sweetness and caramelizes beautifully when grilled, choose ripe and firm pineapple.
• Bell Peppers: Provides color and crunch, red or yellow peppers offer the best flavor and visual appeal.
• Red Onion: Adds sharp flavor and grills to a nice caramelized texture, look for firm and bright-colored onions.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds moisture to the marinade, extra virgin olive oil recommended.
• Soy Sauce: Enhances umami flavor and helps tenderize the chicken, low-sodium version works well.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the dish, use fresh ground black pepper if possible.

• Wooden Skewers: For assembling and grilling the kabobs, must be soaked in water to prevent burning.

How to Grill Kabobs Without Drying the Chicken

Step 1: Prep Wooden Skewers

If using wooden skewers, submerge them in cool water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken

• Barbecue sauce
• Olive oil
• Soy sauce
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix ingredients in a bowl or zip-top bag and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to enhance flavor.

Step 3: Prepare Grill

Heat grill to medium-high temperature around 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Assemble Kabobs

• Marinated chicken pieces
• Pineapple chunks
• Bell pepper slices
• Red onion pieces

Arrange ingredients evenly for balanced flavor and visual appeal.

Step 5: Grill Kabobs

Place skewers on hot grill and cook for 10-12 minutes. Rotate kabobs occasionally to ensure even cooking and beautiful char marks. Chicken should be fully cooked with golden-brown edges.

Step 6: Add Final Flavor

During last few minutes of grilling, brush kabobs with remaining barbecue sauce for extra moisture and tangy glaze.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove kabobs from grill and serve immediately while hot and juicy.

Tips for Sticky-Sweet BBQ Glaze That Shines

• Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to stop them from catching fire and breaking during cooking.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Marinate chicken for 2 hours instead of the minimum 30 minutes to allow deeper absorption of barbecue sauce and spices for more intense taste.
• Ensure Even Cooking: Thread ingredients uniformly and maintain consistent piece sizes so chicken cooks evenly and vegetables don't char too quickly on the grill.
• Create Balanced Kabobs: Alternate different ingredients like chicken, pineapple, peppers, and onions to distribute flavors and create visually appealing skewers with varied colors and textures.
• Achieve Perfect Doneness: Use meat thermometer to check chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring safe consumption while maintaining juicy and tender meat quality.

Save Your Kabobs and Keep Them Juicy

• Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Separate chicken and vegetables from skewers and keep them flat to maintain texture.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or seal in a glass container. These kabobs stay delicious for 3-4 days when refrigerated properly.
• Warm gently in microwave for 30-45 seconds, or in oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Add a splash of extra barbecue sauce to prevent drying out and restore moisture.
• Always ensure internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F before consuming reheated leftovers to guarantee food safety.

What to Serve with BBQ and Pineapple

• Craft a refreshing white wine sangria with pineapple chunks, orange slices, and a splash of rum to complement the sweet and tangy kabob flavors.
• Prepare a light, herb-infused rice side dish that balances the smoky grilled chicken with bright, fresh notes and adds textural contrast.
• Whip up a crisp, chilled salad with thin cucumber slices, fresh mint, and a light vinaigrette to provide a cooling counterpoint to the kabobs' warm, caramelized elements.
• Create a creamy coleslaw with shredded cabbage, toasted coconut flakes, and a tangy dressing that echoes the tropical pineapple profile of the kabobs.

Kabob Mixes That Keep Things Fun

• Vegetarian Kabobs: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using same marinade and grilling technique. Perfect for plant-based diets.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free barbecue sauce and tamari instead of soy sauce. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip pineapple and replace bell peppers with zucchini or mushrooms. Add extra protein by using chicken thighs instead of breast.
• Caribbean Spin: Swap barbecue sauce with jerk marinade, adding jamaican-style spices like allspice and thyme for a tropical flavor profile.

Grilled Chicken Kabob FAQs

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken tenders work great. They’re juicier and absorb marinades well, offering more flavor than chicken breasts.

• How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents undercooking.

• Is there a way to make these kabobs without a grill?

Absolutely! You can use a grill pan on the stovetop or bake them in the oven at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking.

• Can I prepare these kabobs in advance?

You can marinate the chicken and chop vegetables up to a day ahead. Assemble skewers right before cooking to keep ingredients fresh and prevent soggy vegetables.

BBQ Pineapple Chicken Kabobs Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling BBQ pineapple chicken kabobs bring tropical flavors straight from Hawaiian grills to summer dinner tables. Juicy marinated chicken and caramelized pineapple chunks create a perfect balance of sweet and smoky that will transport people to seaside paradise with one delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into 1.5-inch pieces

Fruits and Vegetables:

• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained if using canned)
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks

Seasoning and Sauce:

• 1.25 cups (300 milliliters) barbecue sauce (plus extra for brushing)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for added flavor)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Additional:

• Wooden or metal skewers

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Instructions

1. Submerge wooden skewers in water for a minimum of 30 minutes to guarantee they remain intact during grilling.
2. Create a robust marinade by blending chicken pieces with barbecue sauce, olive oil, soy sauce, salt, and pepper in a container or sealed bag.
3. Allow chicken to absorb marinade flavors by refrigerating for 30 minutes to 2 hours, enhancing overall taste profile.
4. Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature, targeting approximately 400 degrees fahrenheit.
5. Construct colorful kabobs by carefully threading marinated chicken, fresh pineapple chunks, vibrant bell peppers, and crisp red onion onto prepared skewers.
6. Alternate ingredients strategically to ensure visually appealing and evenly cooked kabobs.
7. Position skewers on preheated grill, rotating periodically to achieve uniform charring and thorough chicken cooking.
8. Monitor cooking process for 10-12 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches complete doneness with beautiful caramelized edges.
9. During final grilling moments, generously baste kabobs with remaining barbecue sauce to intensify flavor and create glossy exterior.
10. Remove kabobs from grill, letting them rest momentarily before serving piping hot for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Prevent wooden skewers from burning by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling, ensuring they don’t catch fire during cooking.
• Enhance flavor intensity by marinating chicken for the full 2 hours, allowing the barbecue sauce and seasonings to deeply penetrate the meat for a more robust taste profile.
• Create a gluten-free version by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and selecting a gluten-free barbecue sauce to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Maximize juiciness by not overcooking the chicken, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F and removing kabobs from grill just as they become slightly charred for optimal tenderness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg